Hammy powered paper shredder on tv

borrett71 · 03-13-2008, 12:29 PM

Did anyone see the hamster powered paper shredder on Richard and Judy this evening?

I didn't think ti was very nice.

I didn't put this on the housing thread because I think it is a prototype.

Basically, its a very small with a wheel. As the hamsters runs in the wheel, a paper shredder starts working.

The thing is, not only was the wheel dangerous... its was one with bars for running on... and the cage small... but I didn't like the idea of hamsters as amusing toys to be kept in office gadgets. the inventor of the shredder said he'd never owned a hamster in his life and that the gadget idea just came to him.

Did anyone else think this was a horrible idea?

souffle · 03-13-2008, 12:31 PM

I missed that borratt but is does not sound good to me.

borrett71 · 03-13-2008, 12:37 PM

I just found an image for it

You'll see also that the gears are inside the cage which could injure the hamster.

Mollz · 03-13-2008, 12:41 PM

Aww, how horrible. How could anyonme think of keeping a hamster in that thing?

Yes I'm sure people would love it for the entertainment, but there was obviously no thought about animal welfare when it was made.

Bunsey · 03-13-2008, 01:13 PM

that's terrible! the hamster ca rip it's legs off in the wheel, get caught in the cogs and then cut it's mouth on the sharp paper!

Matty Day · 03-13-2008, 01:49 PM

We should not criticize the idea in my opinion but in its current form this invention is dangerous to the hamster inside however with a few modifications it could be safe and quite a good cage
In my opinion

1 make the cage bigger imac fantasy size
2 cover those gears and workings with a sheet of plastic and change to a plastic wheel
3 change it so the paper does not go into the cage but into a basket/ bin at the bottom

The concept is a novel idea bit needs some modifications to make it a safe cage.

borrett71 · 03-13-2008, 02:30 PM

I agree Matty. It could be improved, as you say, but I think the worry with such a cage as the above, even if improved, is that none animal loving people might buy hamsters as entertaining gimmicks and presents, rather than creatures deserving of dignity. It wouldn't promote responsible pet ownership.

That could be changed though, with how it is marketed.

Hanlou · 03-13-2008, 02:48 PM

I think it's awful.

Hamsters are our much-loved companions, not novelty toys....

There is nothing about that *idea* that makes me think it's a good one.... even if it was altered and improved, the whole thing is horrible.

Not quite as awful as the whole fish-in-an-ipod-speaker idea but awful nontheless.

If it was April 1st I'd be wondering if it was real!

souffle · 03-13-2008, 03:04 PM

It must be a gimmick. No one would be so shockingly lazy that they could not turn a handle to shred their own paper! The cage is way too small and the wheel and cogs dangerous.

borrett71 · 03-13-2008, 03:33 PM

I am very good because I have just emailed the designer himself with a very polite and helpful letter giving guidance about the needs of hamsters, and how at the moment, his design, though very innovative, is sadly dangerous as it is, and pointed out that I have lots of experience caring for rescued hamsters.

I pointed out the wheel, the cogs, and the insufficient floor space. I also said that hamsters need toys such as tunnels, dens, cubes and also a nest in their home.

I also said that hamster owners are attracted to the largest and most stimulating habitats that they can afford for their pets, and that I am sure, with adjustment, it will be a very good hamster home.

And I invited him to ask if he wants any more hamster care advice to help with his design.

I hope he reads it.